Wester Asiatic Bronze Bowl

Matched pair of bovine-head mounts, each formed as a pair of D-shaped wings and a tail with low-relief feather detailing and holes to accept rivets; central head and neck of a bull with prominent horns, bands of curly hair to the pate and throat, large scaphoid eyes, incised contour detailing to muzzle, socket to reverse. 790 grams total, 8-13 cm wide



From the warehouse of Lane Hope Ltd, London, UK, 1980s (company dissolved December 1991). Private collection, UK; anonymous sale, Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Auction 206, 20 June 2012, no.85. European private collection, acquired at Gorny & Mosch, 2012. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, no.6210.AM. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Gorny & Mosch catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12696-234610.

The fitting would have been one of four to the rim of a large bronze cauldron. Urartu was centered in eastern Anatolia, around Lake Van; the capital, Tushpa, was located on the eastern shore of the lake, situated on a high and elongated rock outcrop. Most sites boasted a well-built temple situated at the highest point, as well as a number of large storage rooms containing rows of large vessels for storing oil and grains, and massive well-built fortification walls.

Shallow bowl with inturned rim and loop handle below the rim. 477 grams, 21 cm



From the collection of a gentleman, 1988-2000s.

A freestanding sheet-silver idol of a standing human figure, anatomical features in repoussé technique, applied pellet eyes and twisted wire embellishing the headdress, attached to a vertical rectangular plaque, standing on a second square plaque with notched edges, remains of an offering vessel(?) at the feet. 14.2 grams, 39 mm

Fair condition.

From the Robin Symes gallery, Mayfair, UK, before 1999. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.